Ingredients

  • 6 -8 tomatoes, halves (soaked & then dried)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 12 tablespoons softened butter, divided (we used about half the amount)
  • olive oil flavored cooking spray (optional)
  • 14 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 18-14 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (a couple pinches, if desired)
  • 1 teaspoon minced flat leaf parsley
  • 14 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leave
  • 14 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 4 slices whole wheat bread
  • 12 cup coarsely shredded smoked gouda cheese
  • 6 slices crisp-cooked turkey bacon (made in the microwave)
  • 12 cup loosely packed baby spinach leaves

Method

  • Soak tomatoes in warm water until they're very soft, 20 to 30 minutes, then dry with paper towels.
  • In a large nonstick frying pan, fry eggs in 1/4 tablespoons butter & some olive-oil cooking spray, over medium heat until whites are just set.
  • Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoons butter (more if needed), 1/4 teaspoons salt, pepper to taste, pinch of red pepper flakes, the parsley, thyme, and lemon juice.
  • Transfer eggs to a plate.
  • Spread herb butter on 1 side of each bread slice, dividing evenly.
  • Turn 2 slices over and top with gouda, bacon, tomatoes, and spinach, dividing evenly.
  • Top each sandwich with a fried egg and remaining bread slices, buttered sides up.
  • Cook sandwiches (using olive-oil cooking spray - wherever you can) until golden brown, turning once, about 8 minutes total.